Rep. Kay Granger, missing for months, found residing in assisted living facility.
At a Glance
- Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), 81, has not voted since July, raising concerns about her absence
- Granger is confirmed to be residing in a memory care unit and assisted living home
- Her absence has impacted crucial votes, including a recent spending bill
- Attempts to contact Granger or her office have been unsuccessful
- The situation has reignited discussions about age and mental acuity in Congress
Prolonged Absence Raises Concerns
Reports have surfaced regarding the health and whereabouts of Rep. Kay Granger, an 81-year-old Texas congresswoman who has been absent from congressional votes since mid-summer. Granger, who plans to conclude her Congressional service at the end of her current term, is believed to be residing in an assisted living/memory care facility. Her prolonged absence has raised concerns among constituents in Texas’ 12th Congressional District, especially given the GOP’s slim majority in the House.
Granger’s absence became particularly noticeable when she failed to vote on a crucial spending bill in December. This has led to increased scrutiny of her ability to effectively represent her district. Attempts to contact Granger or her office have been unsuccessful, and one of her district offices has already been closed, further fueling concerns about her status.
Office of GOP TX Rep Kay Granger says the retiring Congresswoman is NOT in memory care. However she is in a retirement facility. But it is a facility which provides memory care. Granger statement:
“I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of care and concern over the past several…
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) December 22, 2024
Confirmation of Memory Care Residence
Recent investigations have confirmed that Granger is indeed residing in a memory care unit and assisted living home. Employees at the facility and video evidence have corroborated this information. The revelation came after Granger was reportedly found lost and confused in her neighborhood, leading to her stay at the memory care facility.
Brandon Granger, the congresswoman’s son, provided some insight into the congresswoman’s condition, stating, “It’s been a hard year,” and acknowledging that she had been “having some dementia issues late in the year.”
Impact on Congressional Duties
Granger’s absence has had significant implications for her congressional duties and the Republican party’s slim majority in the House. Her inability to participate in crucial votes has not gone unnoticed by her colleagues and constituents. Bo French, the Tarrant County Republican Chairman, described the situation as “troubling to say the least,” highlighting the lack of representation for the district during important legislative periods.
“The fact that Kay Granger is unable to leave her nursing home to participate in the most important congressional vote of the year suggests she was already in visible decline when she ran for re-election in 2022,” said Rolando Garcia, a member of the Texas Republican Executive Committee, describing it as a “sad and humiliating way to end her political career.”
Despite her absence, Granger and her staff will remain on the payroll until January 3, 2025, when her term officially ends. This situation has reignited discussions about the age and mental acuity of aging politicians in Congress, drawing parallels to other members who have faced similar scrutiny, such as the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
Legacy and Current Concerns
Granger’s current situation stands in stark contrast to her notable political career. She made history as the first Republican woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, a position she stepped down from in March. Her accomplishments in Congress have been significant, but the end of her career has been overshadowed by concerns about her health and ability to serve.
The situation surrounding Rep. Granger has not only raised questions about her individual case but has also sparked broader discussions about age limits and mental fitness requirements for elected officials. As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced when long-serving politicians experience health issues that impact their ability to fulfill their elected duties.
